English top flight: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown may be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his skills against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to dinking a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation attention following a claimed £65m escape clause for his prospective mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable for a attacker who has six goals and three assists and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an tricky spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate in their last two fixtures after an strong start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but taking on a defensive unit without a clean sheet for months could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside choice for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he can provide,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally compared to any English performer in the top flight this season on six and remains keen to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, has become a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. Fulham's following four fixtures include three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's team must have a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from here, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance emerges with seven of their following ten league games against sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against long balls and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action for a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second start in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
